Duterte Appears in Person at ICC Hearing for First Time

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, 81, made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday, more than a year after his detention. This marks the first time the public has seen the former leader in person since his initial hearing. Duterte sat in the last row of the defense section during the third status conference on the crimes against humanity case filed against him, appearing subdued. The trial is currently scheduled to commence on November 30. Sporting a new hairstyle and dressed in a black suit and white shirt, the former president mainly listened as parties discussed details of his upcoming trial. ICC Trial Chamber III Presiding Judge Joanna Korner noted his presence, stating, "This is the first time that Mr. Duterte has been in this court. As far as the trial chamber is concerned, if he wishes to leave for any reason, he may do so." Duterte remained in court for the roughly one-hour status conference and was not asked to make any statements. Throughout the proceedings, he was observed resting his face on one hand, a familiar gesture from his previous public appearances. Separate images released by the ICC showed Duterte, who appeared visibly older, walking without support and smiling as he spoke with a member of his defense team. This appearance is the first time the public has seen the former president since his initial appearance hearing on March 14, 2025, when he appeared via video link from his detention cell. His defense team has previously argued that Duterte is no longer fit to stand trial, citing his supposed deteriorating medical condition. However, the Duterte Panagutin Network, a group advocating for accountability over drug war killings, stated that his appearance proves the trial can proceed. "Duterte has now appeared in court and looks well, exposing the myth that his camp has continuously pushed of a sickly old man that was supposedly ‘unfit to stand trial,’" said Fiona Magallanes, convenor of Panagutin Netherlands, part of the network. "Duterte’s appearance in court today proves that he has been feigning sick all this time. It was a delaying tactic, delaying justice and delaying healing for the victims’ families. We sincerely hope to see him again on the first day of the trial on Nov. 30, and for him to finally face the victims of his crimes." Judge Korner stated that Trial Chamber III will soon issue a ruling on Duterte's fitness to stand trial, based on reports from medical experts who conducted an independent assessment of his condition. The status conference focused on details of the prosecution's case, including its list of witnesses and evidence. The judge urged the prosecution to trim down its witness list, emphasizing the need for a swift conclusion to the case. Defense lawyer Peter Haynes also raised concerns about disclosure, describing the situation as a "mess" due to the volume of documents provided by the prosecution. Korner directed the parties to submit their positions in writing and stated that these matters would be resolved either in writing or during the next status conference.